High Achievers Programme

Aquinas Oxbridge and ‘Top 5’ University Programme

Our Oxbridge and ‘Top 5’ Programme provides comprehensive guidance, super-curricular and enrichment opportunities designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to navigate the highly competitive admissions process. This programme is integrated into our High Prior Attainment (HPA) tutor group provision and recognises that for a number of subjects, other universities are ranked more highly than Oxford and Cambridge.  Aquinas has close links with St. John’s College, Cambridge who support students with information about the applications and selections process.

Recent Successes 

Over the last three years, Aquinas students have been successful in securing offers at Oxford and Cambridge to study Architecture, Law, Engineering, Land Economy, Modern Foreign and Medieval Languages, Human, Social and Political Science (HSPS) English and Mathematics.  Students have also progressed to study Law at institutions such as the London School of Economics and an extensive range of Russell Group, Top 30 and Top 5 UK universities. 

Key Features of our Oxbridge Support:

• Expert Guidance from Oxbridge: Students benefit from direct engagement with admissions and outreach officers from Oxford and Cambridge colleges, through in-person and virtual talks and lectures. These sessions offer invaluable insights into the universities, the application process, and what admissions tutors are looking for.
  • Alumni Mentorship: To provide firsthand perspectives and advice, students will have the opportunity to connect with Aquinas College alumni currently studying at Oxbridge, both through on-site meetings and virtual interactions.
  • Supercurricular Support: Our college departments and careers team offer a wide array of subject-specific enrichment activities designed to broaden students’ academic horizons beyond the curriculum. Full engagement with these “supercurricular” opportunities is strongly encouraged to demonstrate intellectual curiosity and passion for their chosen subjects.
  • Development of Research and Presentation Skills: The programme actively fosters crucial academic skills through encouragement to undertake the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or an equivalent research-based project. This allows students to develop independent inquiry, critical analysis, and effective communication of their findings.
  • Engagement with Widening Participation Schemes: We actively promote and facilitate student involvement in outreach and widening participation initiatives run by North-West linked Oxbridge colleges, currently Corpus Christi College (Oxford) and Murray Edwards College (Cambridge).
  • Formal Applicant Triage: We identify potential Oxbridge applicants from Enrolment and support progress from the early days of the L6 year. Following their Lower Sixth (L6th) mock examinations, potential applicants will undergo a formal review by Heads of Subject and senior staff. This process ensures that students possess the academic potential to meet the rigorous entry requirements and have a clear understanding of the demanding application timeline.
  • Organised Open Day Visits: To provide firsthand experience of the university environment, we organise trips to the Oxford and Cambridge Open Day events during the summer term of L6th, prioritising students who may face barriers to independent travel.
  • Comprehensive UCAS Application Support: Students receive thorough support throughout the UCAS application process. This ensures they are well-prepared for the October application deadline, including guidance on personal statements and academic references.
  • Entry Test and Examination Preparation: Students will receive dedicated support from relevant subject teams in college to prepare for any required entry tests and examinations specific to their chosen course at Oxford or Cambridge.
  • Rigorous Interview Preparation: All potential applicants benefit from a comprehensive interview preparation programme. This includes in-class sessions, mock interviews conducted by college staff, and more intensive pre-interview sessions with senior college leaders and governors to hone their interview skills and build confidence.

Who is this programme for?

This programme is specifically designed for academically high achieving students who:

• Aspire to study at the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge or a ‘Top 5’ institution for their chosen subject.
• Have demonstrated exceptional academic potential, typically evidenced by a strong GCSE grade average (G-score) typically 7+.
• Are members of our High Prior Attainment (HPA) tutor groups.
• Are motivated to engage actively with enrichment and supercurricular

Aquinas Medics, Dentists and Vets Programme

The Aquinas Medics programme supports students aspiring to study Medicine, Dentistry, or Veterinary Sciences at university, including those considering Oxbridge. We have a strong history of students gaining admission to the most prestigious medical, dental, and veterinary schools. Many of our alumni now mentor current students, guiding them through their journey.

Key Features of our Medics Support (Specifically for Medics, Dentists, and Vets):

• Research into medical, dental, and veterinary advances, accompanied by recorded discussions in podcast format for wider sharing and learning.
• Development of reflective writing and self-evaluation skills through analysis of volunteer work and personal experiences.
• Weekly Medical Ethics workshops exploring current affairs and ethical dilemmas relevant to healthcare professions.
• Guidance and talks from admissions teams at local medical, dental, and veterinary schools, providing valuable insights into their specific requirements.
• Advice and guidance on how to effectively prepare for the UCAT admission test. 
• Practice panel interviews and multiple mini interviews (MMI) to build confidence and refine interview techniques for the real application process.

Individualised, one-on-one support throughout the UCAS application process, ensuring a strong and compelling submission.

Who is this programme for?

This programme is designed for ambitious students with an excellent GCSE profile (all grade 7s or equivalent) who are currently studying three A-Level subjects, with at least two being science subjects (typically, Biology and Chemistry). It is particularly beneficial for those considering applying to highly competitive programmes at universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.